Method and apparatus for utilizing radio access network guidance to select operating parameters

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving a first plurality of operating parameters associated with a first plurality of communication devices, obtaining a first prediction of a performance of a first communication device included in the first plurality of communication devices that is based on an application of the first plurality of operating parameters to a model, and responsive to a determination that the first prediction of the performance is inadequate in accordance with a first threshold, transmitting a first command to at least one communication device included in the first plurality of communication devices to modify at least one operating parameter of the at least one communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for utilizingradio access network guidance to select operating parameters.

BACKGROUND

As devices continue to become increasingly connected through vastcommunication networks, realizing an efficient management of networkresources becomes increasingly important. For example, given a set ofnetwork resources, e.g., wireless spectrum, radio access network (RAN)carriers, network bandwidth, etc., a service provider/network operatormay attempt to optimize performance in accordance with one or moreparameters, e.g., throughput, latency, power dissipation (or,analogously, power conservation), etc. However, conventionaltechnologies have provided for static and global configurations of suchparameters. In this regard, while a parameter value may be proper (e.g.,optimized) for a first device and/or at a first instance of time, theparameter value may be improper for a second device and/or at a secondinstance of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment of a communications network in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2B depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for utilizing predictions regarding performance to selectoperating parameters for devices in one or more networks. Otherembodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include identifying afirst plurality of communication devices operating within a network,obtaining, in real-time, a first plurality of operating parametersassociated with the first plurality of communication devices inaccordance with the identifying, applying the first plurality ofoperating parameters as an input to a model to generate via the model afirst prediction of a performance of a first communication deviceincluded in the first plurality of communication devices, determiningthat the first prediction of the performance is inadequate in accordancewith a first threshold, and responsive to the determining that the firstprediction of the performance is inadequate in accordance with the firstthreshold, transmitting a first command to at least one communicationdevice included in the first plurality of communication devices tomodify an operating parameter of the at least one communication device.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include receiving a firstplurality of operating parameters associated with a first plurality ofcommunication devices, obtaining a first prediction of a performance ofa first communication device included in the first plurality ofcommunication devices that is based on an application of the firstplurality of operating parameters to a model, and responsive to adetermination that the first prediction of the performance is inadequatein accordance with a first threshold, transmitting a first command to atleast one communication device included in the first plurality ofcommunication devices to modify at least one operating parameter of theat least one communication device.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include generating aprediction of a performance of a first user equipment of a plurality ofuser equipment operating in a communication network, wherein theprediction is based on an application of a first plurality of operatingparameters associated with the plurality of user equipment to a model,and responsive to the generating of the prediction, transmitting acommand to at least one communication device to modify at least oneparameter of the at least one communication device, wherein the at leastone parameter includes a specification of a congestion control schemeutilized by the at least one communication device.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a communications network 100 inaccordance with various aspects described herein. For example,communications network 100 can facilitate in whole or in partidentifying a first plurality of communication devices operating withina network, obtaining a first plurality of operating parametersassociated with the first plurality of communication devices inaccordance with the identifying, applying the first plurality ofoperating parameters as an input to a model to generate via the model afirst prediction of a performance of a first communication deviceincluded in the first plurality of communication devices, determiningthat the first prediction of the performance is inadequate in accordancewith a first threshold, and responsive to the determining that the firstprediction of the performance is inadequate in accordance with the firstthreshold, transmitting a first command to at least one communicationdevice included in the first plurality of communication devices tomodify an operating parameter of the at least one communication device.Communications network 100 can facilitate in whole or in part receivinga first plurality of operating parameters associated with a firstplurality of communication devices, obtaining a first prediction of aperformance of a first communication device included in the firstplurality of communication devices that is based on an application ofthe first plurality of operating parameters to a model, and responsiveto a determination that the first prediction of the performance isinadequate in accordance with a first threshold, transmitting a firstcommand to at least one communication device included in the firstplurality of communication devices to modify at least one operatingparameter of the at least one communication device. Communicationsnetwork 100 can facilitate in whole or in part generating a predictionof a performance of a first user equipment of a plurality of userequipment operating in a communication network, wherein the predictionis based on an application of a first plurality of operating parametersassociated with the plurality of user equipment to a model, andresponsive to the generating of the prediction, transmitting a commandto at least one communication device to modify at least one parameter ofthe at least one communication device, wherein the at least oneparameter includes a specification of a congestion control schemeutilized by the at least one communication device.

As shown in FIG. 1, a communications network 125 is presented forproviding broadband access 110 to a plurality of data terminals 114 viaaccess terminal 112, wireless access 120 to a plurality of mobiledevices 124 and vehicle 126 via base station or access point 122, voiceaccess 130 to a plurality of telephony devices 134, via switching device132 and/or media access 140 to a plurality of audio/video displaydevices 144 via media terminal 142. In addition, communication network125 is coupled to one or more content sources 175 of audio, video,graphics, text and/or other media. While broadband access 110, wirelessaccess 120, voice access 130 and media access 140 are shown separately,one or more of these forms of access can be combined to provide multipleaccess services to a single client device (e.g., mobile devices 124 canreceive media content via media terminal 142, data terminal 114 can beprovided voice access via switching device 132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system 200 a functioning within, or operatively overlaidupon, the communication network 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with variousaspects described herein. As shown in FIG. 2A, the system 200 a mayinclude one or more user equipment (UEs), such as for example a first UE202 a-1, a second UE 202 a-2, a third UE 202 a-3, and a fourth UE 202a-4. While four UEs are shown in FIG. 2A, any number of UEs may beincluded in a given embodiment. For example, in some embodiments theremay be hundreds or thousands of UEs included.

Each of the UEs 202 a-1 through 202 a-4 may correspond to aparticular/respective type of communication device, such as for examplea mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), a laptop, a tablet, etc. Othertypes of devices, such as for example a router, a modem, a switch, etc.,may be supported by/included in the system 200 a.

As shown in FIG. 2A, at a first instant in time the first UE 202 a-1 andthe second UE 202 a-2 may be (communicatively) coupled to a first basestation (BS), e.g., BS 206 a-1. Similarly, at that first instant in timethe third UE 202 a-3 and the fourth UE 202 a-4 may be (communicatively)coupled to a second base station, e.g., BS 206 a-2. The coupling betweenthe UEs and the BSs as shown in FIG. 2A may be used to provide servicesto the UEs. For example, based at least in part on the coupling, the UEsmay be able to engage in one or more communication sessions (e.g., avoice session, a video session, a data session, a text session, etc.).

The coupling between a given UE (e.g., UE 202 a-1) and a given BS (e.g.,BS 206 a-1) may be based, at least in part, on the given UE beinglocated within a threshold distance of the given BS. Otherconsiderations for coupling the given UE to the given BS may includeidentification of a capability/functionality supported by the given UEand/or the given BS, absolute and/or relative loads supported by the BSson a historical basis, a present basis, a predicted basis, etc.

As referred to above, the coupling between a given UE and a given BS maybe transitory/temporary in nature. For example, if the first UE 202 a-1is a mobile device, the first UE 202 a-1 may relocate from a first,current location/position at the first instant in time to a second,different location/position at a second instant in time. Based on thatrelocation of the first UE 202 a-1 to the different location, it maymake more sense (e.g., it may be more efficient) for the second BS 206a-2 to provide services to the first UE 202 a-1 after the relocation hasoccurred. In this regard, a handover of services (from the first BS 206a-1 to the second BS 206 a-2) for the first UE 202 a-1 may be performedduring/after the relocation process.

The BSs 206 a-1 and 206 a-2 may be (communicatively) coupled to agateway (GW), e.g., GW 210 a. The GW 210 a may aggregate data from anynumber of BSs that may be present in the system 200 a (e.g., while twoBSs are shown in FIG. 2A, any number of BSs may be present in a givenembodiment). The GW 210 a may selectively route the data to one or moredestinations, potentially in accordance with one or more addressingschemes.

The GW 210 a may be (communicatively) coupled to a network operatingintelligence (NOI) device 214 a. The NOI device 214 a may include asoftware defined-radio access network (SD-RAN) component 218 a, anetwork guidance component 222 a, and a network proxy intelligencecomponent 226 a. The role and functionality of the NOI device 214 a (andits various, aforementioned components 218 a-226 a) will become clearerin the description of the method 200 b of FIG. 2B provided below. Inshort, and by way of introduction, the NOI device 214 a may generaterecommendations for operating parameters/operating parameter values forvarious devices of the system 200 a, such as for example the UEs 202 a-1through 202 a-4.

The NOI device 214 a may be (communicatively) coupled to a networkintelligence proxy (NOP) device 230 a. The role and functionality of theNOP device 230 a will become clearer in connection with the descriptionof the method 200 b of FIG. 2B provided below. In short, and by way ofintroduction, the NOP device 230 a may select operatingparameters/operating parameter values for various devices of the system200 a, such as for example the UEs 202 a-1 through 202 a-4.

The system 200 a described above is illustrative. One skilled in the artwill appreciate, based on a review of this disclosure, that variousdevices and components of the system 200 a may be optional in someembodiments. Still further, in some embodiments one or more of thedevices or components may be included within a given packaging. Forexample, in some embodiments the NOI device 214 a and the NOP device 230a may be resident within a common housing.

As referred to above, FIG. 2B depicts an illustrative embodiment of amethod 200 b in accordance with various aspects described herein. Themethod 200 b may be at least partially (e.g., completely) executed inconjunction with one or more systems, devices, and/or components, suchas for example in connection with the devices and components of thesystem 200 a of FIG. 2A.

In block 204 b, an identification of a system and/or network topologymay be obtained. For example, as part of block 204 b one or more devices(e.g., communication devices) that are present in the system/network maybe identified. As part of block 204 b, devicefunctionalities/capabilities may be identified (e.g., in accordance witha make and model number of the device, or the like). Block 204 b may beexecuted to account for changes in the system/network, such as forexample devices exiting or entering the system/network (e.g., inresponse to changes in service licenses/subscriptions/agreements),changes or dynamic factors in operating conditions (e.g., anintroduction or elimination of obstructions [e.g., blockages in aline-of-sight between devices] that may impact communications in thesystem/network), etc.

In block 208 b, operating parameters of the devices identified as partof block 204 b may be obtained. The operating parameters may be obtainedin real-time (or near-real-time) as part of block 208 b.

As used herein, real-time operations (or the like) may occur within atime span of less than one second, near-real-time operations (or thelike) may occur within a time span of a few seconds (e.g., between oneand five seconds), and non-real-time operations may occur within a timespan of more than a few seconds (e.g., more than five seconds). Othervalues to distinguish real-time and non-real time events/operations (orthe like) from one another may be used in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, block 208 b may execute in accordance with apassage of time, e.g., in accordance with a schedule, where the schedulemay be executed/invoked periodically. In some embodiments, block 208 bmay execute in response to one or more events or conditions, e.g., anoperating parameter falling below a threshold. In some embodiments,block 208 b may execute in response to a user-generated input, such as acommand that causes block 208 b to be invoked.

In some embodiments, block 208 b may be executed by an SD-RAN component(e.g., SD-RAN component 218 a of FIG. 2A). The operating parametersobtained as part of block 208 b may pertain to one or more communicationdevices, such as for example the UEs 202 a-1 through 202 a-4 of FIG. 2A.The operating parameters obtained as part of block 208 b may include,without limitation, a specification of one or more of a signal strength,a signal noise, a signal interference, cell resource usage, number ofconnected UEs, etc., in any combination. In some embodiments, theoperating parameters obtained as part of block 208 b may pertain toradio frequency (RF) communications.

In block 212 b, a prediction of a performance of one or more (e.g.,each) of the devices identified in block 204 b may be generated. In someembodiments, block 212 b may be executed by a network guidance component(e.g., network guidance component 222 a of FIG. 2A).

The prediction(s) of block 212 b may be based at least in part on theoperating parameters obtained as part of block 208 b. For example, thenetwork guidance component may generate the prediction(s) of block 212 bby applying the operating parameters as inputs to one or more models.The models, which may be adaptive in nature, may include one or moremachine learning (ML) and/or artificial intelligence (AI) models. Themodels may incorporate (as input) historical/legacy values of theoperating parameters and/or historical/legacy values of deviceperformance as part of generating the prediction(s) of block 212 b. Themodels may incorporate (as input) known or predicted future events orconditions; for example, a calendar application associated with a userof a given device may be consulted to determine that the user (andhence, the device) is likely to be present at a given location in anhour from a current time, and that the device is likely to be executinganother application (e.g., a video application) at that time.

As part of block 212 b, one or more scores may be generated. The scoresmay be indicative of the confidence in the predictions. Thus, on a scaleof 1 to 100, a score of 99 may represent a very high-degree ofconfidence (e.g., near certainty), whereas a score of 2 may represent avery low-degree of confidence. As described further below, the scoresmay be used as weights in some embodiments.

In block 216 b, a determination may be made regarding whether theprediction(s) of block 212 b is/are adequate/sufficient. For example, aspart of block 216 b, a comparison may be performed between the predictedperformance(s) of block 212 b and one or more thresholds. If thepredicted performance(s) exceed the threshold(s), then the predictedperformance(s) may be declared as being adequate as part of block 216 b,and flow may proceed from block 216 b to block 204 b. On the other hand,if the predicted performance(s) are less than (or equal to) thethreshold(s), then the predicted performance(s) may be declared as being(at least partially) inadequate as part of block 216 b, and flow mayproceed from block 216 b to block 220 b.

To the extent that one or more scores are generated as part of block 212b as described above, those scores may serve as a weight in terms of thecomparison performed in block 216 b. For example, a product of apredicted performance (represented as a numerical value, whereapplicable) and a score associated with the predicted performance may beused as a baseline value in the comparison relative a given threshold inblock 216 b.

The flow from block 216 b to block 204 b may help to reduce the numberof operating parameters alterations that are generated in, e.g., a giventime period. For example, even assuming that a predicted performancegenerated in block 212 b is (slightly) suboptimal, it might not be worthit from, e.g., a network management resource perspective tomodify/update an operating parameter for an associated device. Selectionof appropriate values for the threshold(s) of block 216 b describedabove may be used to control/regulate the sensitivity/frequency ofoperating parameter modifications/updates, where examples of suchmodifications/updates are provided below.

In block 220 b, a recommendation may be generated to modify one or moreoperating parameters associated with one or more of the devicesidentified in block 204 b. In some embodiments, block 220 b may beexecuted by a network proxy intelligence component (e.g., network proxyintelligence component 226 a of FIG. 2A).

To take an illustrative example of the execution of block 220 b, if thepredicted performance for a first device (e.g., UE 202 a-1 of FIG. 2A)is determined to be less than a first threshold and greater than asecond threshold as part of block 216 b, then as part of block 220 b thenetwork proxy intelligence component may recommend that the first deviceincrease its transmission/transmitter power (only). On the other hand,if the predicted performance for the first device is less than the firstthreshold and less than the second threshold, but greater than a thirdthreshold, the network proxy intelligence component may recommend thatthe first device increase its transmission/transmitter power and alterits operating frequency from a first frequency band to a secondfrequency band. Still further, if the predicted performance for thefirst device is less than each/all of the first threshold, the secondthreshold, and the third threshold, the network proxy intelligencecomponent may recommend that the first device increase itstransmission/transmitter power and alter its operating frequency fromthe first frequency band to the second frequency band, while alsorecommending that a second device (e.g., UE 202 a-2 of FIG. 2A) alterits operating frequency from a third frequency band to a fourthfrequency band.

In block 224 b, the recommendation(s) generated in block 220 b may beprovided (e.g., transmitted) to a NOP device (e.g., NOP device 230 a ofFIG. 2A). Responsive to obtaining the recommendation(s), the NOP devicemay selectively implement some or all of the recommendation(s). Forexample, as part of block 224 b, the NOP device may implement a firstpart/aspect of a recommendation (e.g., increase a first device'stransmission power) while discarding/ignoring a second part/aspect ofthe recommendation (e.g., modify a second device's operating frequency).

As part of block 224 b, one or more commands may be issued/generated bythe NOP device. The commands may be provided/transmitted by the NOPdevice to one or more (other) devices. The commands may direct the oneor more (other) devices to alter/modify an operating parameter of the(other) device. In this regard, the commands may include anupdated/modified value of the operating parameter. The updated/modifiedvalue may be specified in a command as an absolute value (e.g., utilizean operating frequency of 2.4 GHz), or a relative value (e.g., reducethe current operating frequency by 100 Hz).

The operating parameters that may be assigned and/or modified/updated aspart of block 224 b may include, without limitation, a congestioncontrol scheme (e.g., TCP Reno, Cubic, New Reno, etc.), a maximum packetsize that a device is enabled to transmit (e.g., to avoid networkcongestion/over-utilization of network resources by a given device),throttling thresholds for a given application (e.g., a videoapplication), such as for example a maximum and/or minimum bitrate forthe given application, etc., in any combination.

In block 228 b, the model(s) of block 212 b may be updated/modified inaccordance with the selection(s) of block 224 b. In this regard, themodels may be adaptable, living models that change over time. As themethod 200 b is repeatedly executed/implemented (potentially as part ofone or more control algorithms or control loops), the models may becomemore accurate over time. In this regard, to the extent that there areany errors in the prediction(s) generated via the model(s) in block 212b, those errors may tend to converge towards zero over time. As themodel(s) become increasingly more accurate in terms of their ability topredict performance, that increased accuracy will serve to encouragefurther utilization of the models, thereby promoting a reinforcingfeedback loop. Stated slightly differently, as the model(s) areincreasingly adopted/utilized, the rate at which they model(s) convergetowards an error-free prediction will tend to increase as well. Thisincrease in rate may, at least at the margin, encourage further adoptionof the model(s).

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2B, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Thus, in accordance with the method 200 b (e.g., block 224 b) of FIG.2B, the NOP device may query candidate operating points forcommunication devices (e.g., UEs, BSs, GWs, etc.) that have traffic/datatraversing the NOP device, and may select operating parametersaccordingly. In this manner, and to the extent that anypre-existing/legacy hardware/software/firmware is present in the NOPdevice, the NOP device might not require (significant) updates to thatpre-existing hardware/software/firmware. Stated slightly differently,the use of an NOI device may place at least part of the operatingintelligence/decision-making in new device hardware/software/firmware.

Aspects of this disclosure may break the global and static nature ofconventional platforms. In this regard, aspects of the disclosure may beused to select operating parameters for a given, specific device on acustomized/tailored basis. Still further, those operating parameters maybe modified/updated dynamically in response to, e.g., one or more eventsor conditions, a passage of time, a user-generated input, etc. Todemonstrate, if a UE is executing a video application, and if a cellserved by a BS in which the UE is located is overloaded (e.g., loadexceeds a first threshold), a video traffic associated with the videoapplication may be assigned a first bitrate, whereas if the cell servedby the BS is lightly-loaded (e.g., load is less than the firstthreshold), the video traffic associated with the video application maybe assigned a second bitrate that is greater than the first bitrate.

Aspects of this disclosure may be implemented in accordance with one ormore networks. For example, aspects of the disclosure may be practicedin conjunction with a 6G network, a 5G network, a 4G network, an LTEnetwork, an LteM network, a satellite network, etc. Aspects of thedisclosure may be used in conjunction with a transfer of data orinformation, potentially as part of one or more applications. In someembodiments, such data or information may pertain/relate to media.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions of communicationnetwork 100, the subsystems and functions of system 200 a, and method200 b presented in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. For example, virtualizedcommunication network 300 can facilitate in whole or in part identifyinga first plurality of communication devices operating within a network,obtaining a first plurality of operating parameters associated with thefirst plurality of communication devices in accordance with theidentifying, applying the first plurality of operating parameters as aninput to a model to generate via the model a first prediction of aperformance of a first communication device included in the firstplurality of communication devices, determining that the firstprediction of the performance is inadequate in accordance with a firstthreshold, and responsive to the determining that the first predictionof the performance is inadequate in accordance with the first threshold,transmitting a first command to at least one communication deviceincluded in the first plurality of communication devices to modify anoperating parameter of the at least one communication device.Virtualized communication network 300 can facilitate in whole or in partreceiving a first plurality of operating parameters associated with afirst plurality of communication devices, obtaining a first predictionof a performance of a first communication device included in the firstplurality of communication devices that is based on an application ofthe first plurality of operating parameters to a model, and responsiveto a determination that the first prediction of the performance isinadequate in accordance with a first threshold, transmitting a firstcommand to at least one communication device included in the firstplurality of communication devices to modify at least one operatingparameter of the at least one communication device. Virtualizedcommunication network 300 can facilitate in whole or in part generatinga prediction of a performance of a first user equipment of a pluralityof user equipment operating in a communication network, wherein theprediction is based on an application of a first plurality of operatingparameters associated with the plurality of user equipment to a model,and responsive to the generating of the prediction, transmitting acommand to at least one communication device to modify at least oneparameter of the at least one communication device, wherein the at leastone parameter includes a specification of a congestion control schemeutilized by the at least one communication device.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements—which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general purpose processors or general purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1), suchas an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it'selastic: so the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle-boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized, and might require special DSP code andanalog front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included intransport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 325leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The virtualized network elements 330, 332 and 334can employ network function software that provides either a one-for-onemapping of traditional network element function or alternately somecombination of network functions designed for cloud computing. Forexample, VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can include route reflectors, domain namesystem (DNS) servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)servers, system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility managemententity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers forIP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers andother network elements. Because these elements don't typically need toforward large amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributedacross a number of servers—each of which adds a portion of thecapability, and overall which creates an elastic function with higheravailability than its former monolithic version. These virtual networkelements 330, 332, 334, etc. can be instantiated and managed using anorchestration approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud, or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from these thirdparty locations.

Turning now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 400 in which the various embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computingenvironment 400 can be used in the implementation of network elements150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal 112, base station or access point122, switching device 132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332,334, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented viacomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combinationof hardware and software. For example, computing environment 400 canfacilitate in whole or in part identifying a first plurality ofcommunication devices operating within a network, obtaining a firstplurality of operating parameters associated with the first plurality ofcommunication devices in accordance with the identifying, applying thefirst plurality of operating parameters as an input to a model togenerate via the model a first prediction of a performance of a firstcommunication device included in the first plurality of communicationdevices, determining that the first prediction of the performance isinadequate in accordance with a first threshold, and responsive to thedetermining that the first prediction of the performance is inadequatein accordance with the first threshold, transmitting a first command toat least one communication device included in the first plurality ofcommunication devices to modify an operating parameter of the at leastone communication device. Computing environment 400 can facilitate inwhole or in part receiving a first plurality of operating parametersassociated with a first plurality of communication devices, obtaining afirst prediction of a performance of a first communication deviceincluded in the first plurality of communication devices that is basedon an application of the first plurality of operating parameters to amodel, and responsive to a determination that the first prediction ofthe performance is inadequate in accordance with a first threshold,transmitting a first command to at least one communication deviceincluded in the first plurality of communication devices to modify atleast one operating parameter of the at least one communication device.Computing environment 400 can facilitate in whole or in part generatinga prediction of a performance of a first user equipment of a pluralityof user equipment operating in a communication network, wherein theprediction is based on an application of a first plurality of operatingparameters associated with the plurality of user equipment to a model,and responsive to the generating of the prediction, transmitting acommand to at least one communication device to modify at least oneparameter of the at least one communication device, wherein the at leastone parameter includes a specification of a congestion control schemeutilized by the at least one communication device.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4, the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 406to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD 416 and optical disk drive 420 can beconnected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, amagnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 424 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and apointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 404 through aninput device interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storagedevice 450 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 452, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. For example, platform 510 can facilitatein whole or in part identifying a first plurality of communicationdevices operating within a network, obtaining a first plurality ofoperating parameters associated with the first plurality ofcommunication devices in accordance with the identifying, applying thefirst plurality of operating parameters as an input to a model togenerate via the model a first prediction of a performance of a firstcommunication device included in the first plurality of communicationdevices, determining that the first prediction of the performance isinadequate in accordance with a first threshold, and responsive to thedetermining that the first prediction of the performance is inadequatein accordance with the first threshold, transmitting a first command toat least one communication device included in the first plurality ofcommunication devices to modify an operating parameter of the at leastone communication device. Platform 510 can facilitate in whole or inpart receiving a first plurality of operating parameters associated witha first plurality of communication devices, obtaining a first predictionof a performance of a first communication device included in the firstplurality of communication devices that is based on an application ofthe first plurality of operating parameters to a model, and responsiveto a determination that the first prediction of the performance isinadequate in accordance with a first threshold, transmitting a firstcommand to at least one communication device included in the firstplurality of communication devices to modify at least one operatingparameter of the at least one communication device. Platform 510 canfacilitate in whole or in part generating a prediction of a performanceof a first user equipment of a plurality of user equipment operating ina communication network, wherein the prediction is based on anapplication of a first plurality of operating parameters associated withthe plurality of user equipment to a model, and responsive to thegenerating of the prediction, transmitting a command to at least onecommunication device to modify at least one parameter of the at leastone communication device, wherein the at least one parameter includes aspecification of a congestion control scheme utilized by the at leastone communication device.

In one or more embodiments, the mobile network platform 510 can generateand receive signals transmitted and received by base stations or accesspoints such as base station or access point 122. Generally, mobilenetwork platform 510 can comprise components, e.g., nodes, gateways,interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms, that facilitate bothpacket-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol (IP), frame relay,asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and circuit-switched (CS) traffic(e.g., voice and data), as well as control generation for networkedwireless telecommunication. As a non-limiting example, mobile networkplatform 510 can be included in telecommunications carrier networks, andcan be considered carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein.Mobile network platform 510 comprises CS gateway node(s) 512 which caninterface CS traffic received from legacy networks like telephonynetwork(s) 540 (e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), orpublic land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7 (SS7)network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 can authorize and authenticatetraffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CSgateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, or roaming, data generatedthrough SS7 network 560; for instance, mobility data stored in a visitedlocation register (VLR), which can reside in memory 530. Moreover, CSgateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PSgateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gatewaynode(s) 512 can be realized at least in part in gateway GPRS supportnode(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that functionality and specificoperation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PS gateway node(s) 518, and servingnode(s) 516, is provided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilizedby mobile network platform 510 for telecommunication over a radio accessnetwork 520 with other devices, such as a radiotelephone 575.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 510, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 550,enterprise network(s) 570, and service network(s) 580, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 510 through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to benoted that WANs 550 and enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) orradio access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packetdata protocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also comprises servingnode(s) 516 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 520, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 518. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)514 in mobile network platform 510 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bymobile network platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 518 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 514 can comprise utilityserver(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through mobile network platform 510 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512and PS gateway node(s) 518 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 550 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to mobilenetwork platform 510 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1(s)that enhance wireless service coverage by providing more networkcoverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 510. To that end, the one or more processor can executecode instructions stored in memory 530, for example. It is should beappreciated that server(s) 514 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 510. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 510, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7network 560, or enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5, and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6, an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. For example,computing device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part identifying afirst plurality of communication devices operating within a network,obtaining a first plurality of operating parameters associated with thefirst plurality of communication devices in accordance with theidentifying, applying the first plurality of operating parameters as aninput to a model to generate via the model a first prediction of aperformance of a first communication device included in the firstplurality of communication devices, determining that the firstprediction of the performance is inadequate in accordance with a firstthreshold, and responsive to the determining that the first predictionof the performance is inadequate in accordance with the first threshold,transmitting a first command to at least one communication deviceincluded in the first plurality of communication devices to modify anoperating parameter of the at least one communication device. Computingdevice 600 can facilitate in whole or in part receiving a firstplurality of operating parameters associated with a first plurality ofcommunication devices, obtaining a first prediction of a performance ofa first communication device included in the first plurality ofcommunication devices that is based on an application of the firstplurality of operating parameters to a model, and responsive to adetermination that the first prediction of the performance is inadequatein accordance with a first threshold, transmitting a first command to atleast one communication device included in the first plurality ofcommunication devices to modify at least one operating parameter of theat least one communication device. Computing device 600 can facilitatein whole or in part generating a prediction of a performance of a firstuser equipment of a plurality of user equipment operating in acommunication network, wherein the prediction is based on an applicationof a first plurality of operating parameters associated with theplurality of user equipment to a model, and responsive to the generatingof the prediction, transmitting a command to at least one communicationdevice to modify at least one parameter of the at least onecommunication device, wherein the at least one parameter includes aspecification of a congestion control scheme utilized by the at leastone communication device.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 602 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 610 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can begenerated including services being accessed, media consumption history,user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained byvarious methods including user input, detecting types of communications(e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams,sampling, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject toauthorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in,an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selectiveauthorization based on types of data, and so forth.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a maximumvalue/benefit after addition to an existing communication network) canemploy various AI-based schemes for carrying out various embodimentsthereof. Moreover, the classifier can be employed to determine a rankingor priority of each cell site of the acquired network. A classifier is afunction that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . ,xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,f(x)=confidence (class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user desiresto be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is anexample of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachescomprise, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a processing systemincluding a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: identifying a first plurality ofcommunication devices operating within a network; obtaining, inreal-time, a first plurality of operating parameters associated with thefirst plurality of communication devices in accordance with theidentifying; applying the first plurality of operating parameters as aninput to a model to generate, via the model, a first prediction of aperformance of a first communication device included in the firstplurality of communication devices; determining that the firstprediction of the performance is inadequate in accordance with a firstthreshold; and responsive to the determining that the first predictionof the performance is inadequate in accordance with the first threshold,transmitting a first command to at least one communication deviceincluded in the first plurality of communication devices to modify anoperating parameter of the at least one communication device.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the first communication device is included inthe at least one communication device.
 3. The device of claim 1, whereinthe at least one communication device includes a plurality ofcommunication devices.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the firstplurality of operating parameters includes a specification of a signalstrength, a signal noise, a signal interference, and a cell resourceusage.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the transmitting of the firstcommand to the at least one communication device causes the at least onecommunication device to modify a congestion control scheme used by theat least one communication device.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein thetransmitting of the first command to the at least one communicationdevice causes the at least one communication device to modify a maximumpacket size of packets transmitted by the at least one communicationdevice.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the transmitting of the firstcommand to the at least one communication device causes the at least onecommunication device to modify a throttling threshold utilized by anapplication executed by the at least one communication device.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the transmitting of the first command to theat least one communication device causes the at least one communicationdevice to modify an operating frequency of the at least onecommunication device from a first frequency band to a second frequencyband that is different from the first frequency band.
 9. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the transmitting of the first command to the at leastone communication device causes the at least one communication device tomodify a transmission power of the at least one communication devicefrom a first transmission power to a second transmission power that isdifferent from the first transmission power.
 10. The device of claim 1,wherein the operations further comprise: generating, via the model, afirst score that is representative of a confidence associated with thefirst prediction of the performance.
 11. The device of claim 10, whereinthe determining that the first prediction of the performance isinadequate in accordance with the first threshold is based on acomparison of a combination of the first prediction and the first scorerelative to the first threshold.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein theoperations further comprise: modifying the model in accordance with thefirst command to generate a modified model.
 13. The device of claim 12,wherein the operations further comprise: obtaining a second plurality ofoperating parameters associated with the first plurality ofcommunication devices; applying the second plurality of operatingparameters as an input to the modified model to generate, via themodified model, a second prediction of a performance of the firstcommunication device; determining that the second prediction of theperformance is inadequate in accordance with the first threshold, asecond threshold, or a combination thereof; and responsive to thedetermining that the second prediction of the performance is inadequate,transmitting a second command to the at least one communication deviceto modify a second operating parameter of the at least one communicationdevice.
 14. A machine-readable medium, comprising executableinstructions that, when executed by a processing system including aprocessor, facilitate performance of operations, the operationscomprising: receiving a first plurality of operating parametersassociated with a first plurality of communication devices; obtaining afirst prediction of a performance of a first communication deviceincluded in the first plurality of communication devices that is basedon an application of the first plurality of operating parameters to amodel; and responsive to a determination that the first prediction ofthe performance is inadequate in accordance with a first threshold,transmitting a first command to at least one communication deviceincluded in the first plurality of communication devices to modify atleast one operating parameter of the at least one communication device.15. The machine-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the firstcommunication device is included in the at least one communicationdevice, and wherein the at least one communication device includes aplurality of communication devices.
 16. The machine-readable medium ofclaim 14, wherein the at least one operating parameter includes acongestion control scheme used by the at least one communication device,a maximum packet size of packets transmitted or received by the at leastone communication device, a bitrate utilized by an application executedby the at least one communication device, an operating frequencyutilized by the at least one communication device, a transmission powerutilized by the at least one communication device, or any combinationthereof.
 17. The machine-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the firstplurality of operating parameters includes a specification of a signalstrength, a signal noise, a signal interference, cell resource usage, orany combination thereof.
 18. A method, comprising: generating, by aprocessing system including a processor, a prediction of a performanceof a first user equipment of a plurality of user equipment operating ina communication network, wherein the prediction is based on anapplication of a first plurality of operating parameters associated withthe plurality of user equipment to a model; and responsive to thegenerating of the prediction, transmitting, by the processing system, acommand to at least one communication device to modify at least oneparameter of the at least one communication device, wherein the at leastone parameter includes a specification of a congestion control schemeutilized by the at least one communication device.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, further comprising: obtaining, by the processing system, thefirst plurality of operating parameters in accordance with a schedule,in response to an occurrence of an event, in response to auser-generated input, or any combination thereof, and wherein thetransmitting of the command causes the at least one communication deviceto transfer a communication session associated with the first userequipment from a first base station to a second base station.
 20. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the at least one communication devicecomprises a gateway, a base station, or a combination thereof.